A Systems Design Approach to Fuel Measurement for Hybrid-Electric Aircraft

Aircraft development efforts are rapidly shifting toward the use of distributed electric propulsion. As the industry moves along a path to full electrification, hybrid propulsion systems will be increasingly employed where battery technology does not support a fully electric design. The fuel systems in new aircraft designs can be challenging, and the existing regulatory framework may not be capable of dealing with unique aircraft designs that do not neatly fit within existing categories. This presents a challenge to aircraft designers. Fuel remains essential to the propulsion system, and an optimal, yet simple fuel system will be necessary to leave room in the design trade space for more challenging and risky functions. Understanding the certification requirements and having a basic knowledge of the tradeoffs in fuel measurement accuracy are the key elements necessary to support a systems approach to optimizing a fuel measurement subsystem.